Pickup device for use with balance testing machines



PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1949 l. A. WEAVER Sept. 1, 1953 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

Sept. 1, 1953 vl. A. WEAVER 2,650,961

PICKUP DEVICE ECR usE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 2e. 1949 1o sneets-sheet z h @NST EN vl\ INVENTOR.

JF@ Zeaef Sept. 1, 1953 l. A. WEAVER 2,650,961

PICKUP `DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCETESTING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1949 1o sheets-sheet s IN VENTOR.

j@ Weaver B Y Sept. 1, 1 953,

Filed July 26, 1949 l. A. wl-:AVER 2,650,961

PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES 10 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

77% Zedef? SePfl, 1953 l. A. WEAVER A `2,650,961

PICKUP DEVICE FOR' USE WTH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 2e, 1949 1o sheets-sheet 5 EN. N w .N *u

IN V EN TOR.

'l 25a Zaz/ef l. A. WEAVER Sept. l, 1953 PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1949 l0 Sheets-Sheet 6 l INVENToR. .JFQ d. Mme?? NNN w 2,650,961 PICKUP DEVICE: TOR yUSE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1949 Sept. 1, 1953 `-`|.v A. wEAvE l 10 Sheets-Sheei 7X 1N VEN TOR. Z712 waz/(eff Sept. 1, 1953 l. A, WEAVER PICKUP DEVICE FOR usE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26, 1949 I i 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR.

AMPA/HER f /f i Sept. 1, 1953 l l. A. WEAVER 2,650,961

PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26. 1949 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 IN V EN TOR.

Sept. l, 1953 Y A. WEAVER C 2,650,961

PICKUP DEVICE FOR USE WITH BALANCE TESTING MACHINES Filed July 26. 1949 lO Sheets-Sheet l0 IN VEN TOR.

.1377@ d. ZZ/eaz/er7 Patentedl Sept. 1:, 1.953

UNIT ED?" PATENT @FFI-'CE Honor-ammunition USE) Wil-'r11i BALANGE TESTING MAGHINES Ira AL WeaverLSpringield; Ill., assignor, by,` mesne assignments, toy Gisholt Machine Company, Madison, ,WisL ai corporation of `Wisconsin ApplicationlJulysGalMS, Serial:No. G-,912.

1,?, Claims.. (Cl. W-23) This invention` relates to` pickmpfdevices Yfor; use with balance testi-ng machinesfof 'theafgenerar type described inV United States` Letters: Patent No; 2,:4875035.: granted. to the presentl applicant on an; applications 3o-pending herewith;`A

Qne important difference; l between the present; invention and: priorv onesa in'` this same; genera-fl` eldise in thefmethod of?operating;agstrobosoope light" and the determination: of the-` amplitude of osoillationof the inertia-weight means employedin the-'mechanism about ,themounting-pivotsaid"v amplitude of oscllati'orn` beingi a. direct. proper-v tional: indication ofy the amount of@r unbalance existing-,ina chosenicorrectionlplane :fof the. rotatingVA Work-piece orfrotor undergoing testy iny the@ associated balanoetestin`'gg machina` Itfwillbe understood:that the term.` correction-fplane is* a. planethroughathe rota-tingework-.pieceA or rotor undergoing investigationlrin the'testing:v machine'perpendicular'f'to the. axis off such rotor; such correotioneplane` beings anywherealong the; axis of the workepiecefbetweenivthe 4limits Of4 the,J physical-dimensions of"such-1element.I Iffa single correctionsplane-vv only isk employed; itA mightbef near the -endtli'ereofx, orft'heremayi-be two orrmoreeorrectionfplane's:used; thefflocationofl such plane or p-lanes'fbeinfg ,determined by the phiysicalmake-f upf of." the. workpiece undergoing:` tes-t:r For` in-f stance; in" the roten of; anele'ctriefmotor twofsuch;

correctioneplanesemightbetohosenilonernean each1v sharm, for instance,- .one might beflooatedi ori-each fworkpiece and rotatingy with: it', suchiashesot lightl being of such durationthat any* numbenv illuminatedf at any given;timeN appears 'Itofbefstaf-e tonary;- such breaker;- pointsrbeing operated: by

the pivotingof 'one or'mor'einertiaeweightsgabout-i their pivot point.

The frequencst'ofJ oscillation isfgreater"thanfther normal resonant or natural freoluencyjoffos cil;laA

tion'y off vthe inertia'eweight. means-r Iff the: workpiece rotates` 1800"R; P. Mt the `inertia.-v veightmeans oscillatef 1800: cyeleseper minute;` and;v

therefore; the 'light' ashesin: synehronismwithf the oscillation ofthe'Iweight-m'eans andfthecorrelf sponding identical revolut'onsf: O'l"l thef rotating; work-pieoe undergoing test.

Anothen purpose-zelfthfe invention is :to provide a-simple mechanical means vforfobtaining tha de gre'efof amplitude. oscillation of the inertia-- A weight means by calibrated adjustment of such'v breakerpoints; as sete` forth hereinafter.

In order that a full and;completeA understandfingfloff this inventionimayybefhad, ,and the attainment of the statedand'other` objectswof thi-grint-l vention-z af preferred and desirable embodiment of the invention rhaslbeenillustratedrinthe-premA ent .drawings-.forminggafpartsof thisspeciication, and, in which:

Eig'urel is; a: planzview of the-'novel piclzfup.

device, with its cover: removed;

Figure 2 is a vertical, longitudinal section oi thedevieeon the center line .AL-AA of. Figuresl exceptthat the cover isf'includedrin such Section5;

lli'gures;r -3,--.to inclusi-veare' plan views, thesame4 as Figure: 1-, except-thatfthevarious adjustments of; theI device: are indicated in diflerentaspects.

andi d ereesfof their adjustments;

Rigure nresents-tthe centering-screw fbacked.

oiror receded'fromfitsi normal central: adjustment Figureafillustrates the ratioeblocle 5l'-y and@ associatedf parts,- as rotated clockwiseA through a given .f angle;

InfF-igzure theratio-nut l has been,indicated asl-- turned cloekwise causingy the ratiofpvin-ia'iV which is on center in Figure ls/tobe moved up- WardaWay-from: itsnormal centr-al position depiotedi-inr Figure 4; bringingwith it the bar' 28;;

IneFigure'f'the inertiaiweightsandv the assowise:aboutvthefpivotespring lt-by a xed amount;

Figure-7v pictures theratio-block 5t as shownI rotatedcloclii'rse by a smaller amount than1 in' Figuresi 4, :5e and ft' j Fig-uref 8 isy` aI tonrviewfofL the complete pick-up device-including the;` oeverV in place thereon;

Figli-refais aplan viewofa complete balancetesting'. machine,v including the work-piece toffbef` tested in:l place' thereon-- and; showingV two o-v the newfpick-unfdevioes of the forni indlcatedrinthe` preceding lgiures `mounted-rigidly in their proper positions; with.V one on@ each of the bearing mem-- bersof,4 their machine. with the aligned screwthreaded inertia-weight supporting means in ratio1 3 parallelism with the axis of the work-piece or rotor;

Figure 10 is a view of the right-hand end of the testing-machine shown in Figure 9 with a portion of the end bearing support cut away to show the driving motor and its associated motordriven belt which revolves the workpiece on its horizontal longitudinal axis;

Figure 10a is an enlarged detailed sectional view showing one end of the bearing member suspen sion in large detail as it appears in Figure 10; l

Figures 11 and 12 are side and end views respectively of contact-arm I1, reed-bracket i8, and reed i9 soldered to its bracket I8, drawn to a larger scale the better to show the construction;

Figure 13 is a segregated top view of the centering-lever 39 and associated parts, the element 33 being an insulating plate which extends beyond the other parts of that structure so that a hook can be connected therewith;

Figure 14 is a side view of the same;

Figure 15 is a detail View of the ratio-bar 28 and a portion of the centering-lever 30 pivotally attached thereto and the screw 44 for adjusting the centering-lever 30;

Figure 15a is a sectional View taken on the line Ia-I 5a of Figure 2;

Figure 16 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line I6-I6 of Figure 2; and

Figure 1'1 is a schematic diagram which depicts the manual switching arrangement.

In Figures 1 and 2, the reference numeral 8 designates the main body of the new pick-up device in which most of the working parts of such mechanism are mounted, and 9 is the demountable cover in place in Figure 2.

The centrally screw-threaded, externally knurled, inertia-weights IIJ and II are adjustably mounted on the opposite, screw-threaded, aligned, end rod portions I2 and I3, both of which in turn are integral parts of their associated intermediate hub 6.

A thin, flat spring I4 is securely mounted on the extended portions 5, 5, of the body 8 by means of clamping blocks 1, 1, and associated screws I4a.

In Figure 2 it will be observed that the spring I4 is secured only at its two ends and that the central portion of its length is in open space between the separated upper and lower element 5, 5. To this exposed, central part of the flat spring I4 is attached an arm I1 (Figures 1 to' Y 7).

The threaded end portion I6 of arm I1 eX- tends continuously from the point I6 through a hole in the center of the spring I 4 and is securely clamped thereto by a nut 85, this arm I1 being continuous from such nut t0 its upturned end I I1, as shown clearly in Figure 2.

The central portion of the hub 6 of the inertiaweight mounting toward the main partof the device is recessed or slotted vertically to fit over the flattened sides of the hub 4 of the arm I1 to hold it in a horizontal position, or it could obviously be fastened in any other equivalent manner, if preferred, and holds the axis in proper alignment and the spring itself holds it in correct longitudinal alignment. The entire inertiaweight assembly is securely clamped to the outer threaded end portion I8 of the arm I1 by the nut I5, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, '7 and 8. Thus the inertia-weight assembly and the arm I1 are a unitary assembly which is securely clamped to the spring I4 at the center of the latter, it thus being now evident that the inertiaweight assembly and the arm I1 can oscillate as a unit horizontally about the spring I4 as a pivot l. turned end II1 of arm I1.

by twisting said spring since the latter is acting as a vertical torsion spring having both ends securely clamped and its center free to twist horizontally when a twisting force is applied to it by the oscillation of the inertia-weight means about the spring I4, as its pivot. When no twisting force is applied to the spring its inherent stiiness causes it to rest in its normal, neutral, nat, vertical plane whereby the unitary inertia-weight assembly and arm I1 are normally at rest in the same zero or central position when no twisting force is applied due to the inherent reiiex action of the spring I4,

It should be apparent that the unitary assembly of inertia-weights I8 and II and arm I1 may oscillate readily about the center of the spring I4 as a pivot and, furthermore, that said unitary assembly` may pivot equally clockwise and counter-clockwise from its normal central at rest position.

Naturally, the greater the oscillatory force applied to the inertia-weight means the greater the amplitude of oscillation of said assembly will be.

Attached to such arm I1, Figures 1, 2 and 11, is a reed-bracket I8, the latter and its associated reed I9 being made of electrically conductive material. Attachment of this reed-bracket I8 is made to arm I1 by means of a screw 20 and its associated nut |20, this being shown more clearly in Figures 1l and 12. The screw may be tightened so securely that the reed-bracket I8 cannot pivot about said screw. It is to be also noted that the reed-bracket I8 and the reed I9 are electrically insulated from the arm I1 by the insulating bushings 11 in Figure 12. At the point 2|, Figure 12, is attached an electrically conducting wire 22 for attachment to the electrical circuit as well be described later. The reed I9 being made of a thin, flexible wire normally resting against the upwardly turned end II1 of arm I1 with a slight tension, which tension may be adjusted by loosening the screw 29 and pivoting the bracket I8 and reed I9 upward so that the end of the reed I9 is just above the upwardly This reed is then bent toward the arm I1 until it will normally rest slightly beyond the upturned end I I1 0f the arm I1 or toward the observer in Figure 11. Then by flexing the reed I9 away from the observer and pivoting the'bracket I8 and reed I9 downwardly and securely tightening the screw 20 the reed is now held in normal position, as shown in Figure 11, and rests with a slight initial tension against the upwardly turned end II1 of the arm I1.

It is now readily apparent that the assembly of arm I1, and reed I9, when properly connected in an electric circuit may act as a normally closed switch, and when the reed I9 is iiexed away from the arm I1 the circuit will be broken. The reed I9 being of very thin material, and its area 0f contact with the arm I1 being very small, only very feeble electric currents may be carried. However, the grid current required to trigger a thyratron or equivalent electronic tube to oper-ate a stroboscope light is exceedingly small. The stroboscope light flashes at the moment of contact of the reed I9 with either contact-plate 32 or arm I1.

In Figures 1 to 7 inclusive is shown mounted at points 46, 46, on the bottom wall of body 8 of the pick-up device an insulating strip 24, and in Figure 12 there is shown the conducting wire 22 attached to the bracket I8 and ending in a connecting terminal 23.

screw 6I and that this screw is so adjusted that 51 counter-clockwise one full turn from its zero position, the ratio-block 5I is rotated clockwise to its full limit, as shown in Figures 4, 5 vand 6 due to the interaction of the pinion 56 and the spur-gear 55. Such one full manual turn of the pinion 55 is indicated by the pointer 59 and its associated scale 6I] having turned from its zero indication completely around 360 to the same zero. Ii such knob 5l' is turned a fraction of the complete rotation such fraction will, of course, be indicated on the scale E by the pointer 59 and the ratio-block I will have been turned a corresponding fraction of its complete movement, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7 shows the ratio-block 5I as rotated a fraction oi a turn only from its straight-away or normal zero position, and, in this particular instance, the pointer 59, Figure 8, would stand at the gure l of the scale 55. The point 1 on such scale 63 is so located that when the pointer 59 registers with such point on the scale Ythe ratio-pin will move the ratio-bar 28 one-tenth as much angularly as when the pointer 59 is rotated one full turn. Point 2 on scale is so located that when the pointer 59 is in register with such 2 on the scale the ratio-pin 35 will move the ratio-bar 28 two-tenths as much as a full turn of the pointer 59, and so on.

Referring again to Figure 5, it should be noted that the position of the contacting-plate 32 which, as previously explained, is securely mounted to the upturned end of the centering-lever 30 but electrically insulated therefrom, and it should also be remembered that the centeringlever 30, being mounted as previously described, on the ratio-bar 28 moves pivotally with it. In Figure 5, then, the contact-plate 32 has moved away from the reed I9 which rests, due to its initial tension, against the upturned end` of arm I'I.

Referring now to Figure 6, wherein the inertiaweights I0 and II have been rotated clockwise a small amount about their pivot spring I4 Vit is to be observed that the arm I? has moved also about the pivotal spring I4 to a point where its upturned end is slightly beyond the contact-plate 32 thereby allowing the reed I9 to rest against the contact-plate 32. It is readily evident that as the arm I'I and the very light reed I9 move toward the contact-plate 32 a point in this movement was reached where the reed I9 contacts the contact-plate 32. The electrical circuit is so arranged that the stroboscope light will flash at the instant of such Contact. The upturned end II'I of arm I'I will continue its motion in the same direction breaking contact with the reed I9 until the inertia-weights IU and II have reached the limit of movement and start back. When Y 8 plate 32 once during each complete cycle of'oscillation of the inertia-weights II)A and vII about their pivot spring I4.

With the inertia-weights I9 and II in oscillatory motion of constant amplitude about the pivot spring I4 the ratio-nut 4I may be turned in such direction as to move the ratio-pin 35 farther rom its central position. If such motion be continued a point will be reached in which the reed I9 will not touch the contact-plate 32 and the stroboscope light will cease as'ning.

'Ihe operator byturning the ratio-nut 4I a small amount in alternate directions can ascertain the point at which the stroboscope light just ceases-to i'lash and then by noting the number of turns or" the ratio-nut 4I, and the fractions of the turn, on the peripheral scale on the ratio-nut I he knows with precision the amount the ratiopin -35 has been moved and it is evident that such a movement is a direct measure of the amplitude or" oscillation of the inertia-weights I0 and II about their pivot spring I4. Should such amplitude be a very small amount, the ratio-block 5I may be moved a fraction of its full amount as might be indicated by the pointer 59 being turned to numeral 1 on scale 5t. Then the ratio-nut 4I will have to be turned ten times as many turns to move the ratio-bar 28 a given amount as in the case above described. Thus, it is evident that the amplitude of oscillation of the inertiaweights Iii and II about their pivot spring I4 may be measured with great precision.

In Figure 17, two of the new pick-up devices are shown, designated as a whole l2 and 'I3 respectiveiy, corresponding to the designations used in Figure 9. The switches for each end are shown schematically, 82 representing the switch for the left-hand end whereby the circuits for 'the various phases of operation of the pick-up device l2 are controlled. In like manner, 83 controls the various aspects of the electrical operation or" the pick-up device 'i3 on the right-hand end, The position of the switch as illustrated in'Figure 17 is marked Test for the central position and is the position o1" the switch which will cause diametrically opposite numbers on the number-band S8, see Figure 9, to be illuminated as the work-piece t rotates. For instance, numbers 1 and l1, 2 and 12, etc.

In turning the switch 82 on the left-hand end to the position Heavy the number will be illuminated on the number-band 68 to show which is the heavy side of the work-piece in the correction-plane "i5, Figure 9, near the left end of the work-piece. Ii the switch 82 be turned to the position marked Light the diametrically opposite number only will be illuminated designating the light side of the work-piece in the plane 'I5 near the left end.

To balance the left end of the work-piece in the correction plane-'i5 weight of the proper amount should be removed from the heavy side of the work-piece as would be indicated on the number-band when the switch S2 is turned to the position marked Heavy or weight might be added to the light side of the work-piece in the correction-plane 'I5 of the proper amount to balance the work-piece in that plane.

In like manner the switch 83 on the righthandend which controls the electrical circuits for the device i3 (Figure 9) is operated to determine the unbalance existingV in the correctionplane 'I6 (Figure 9) it being understood that when the switch 82 is' operated, switch B3 is turned to the Off position, and when switch ansa-961 9 8312 is operated: switch 82 isturned'to the Oif position.

There are two switching means used in the operation of the stroboscope-light through the pick-up devices;

(l) A-manual switching means which cuts the circuit completely 01T;

(2) The same switching means may be set to a centering position at which the stroboscope light flashes twice at two portions of the cycle 1- ofY oscillation of the inertia-weights at which positionrthe centering-screw 44 and its centering-lever 3D may be adjusted until two diametrically opposite numbers are flashing alternately on the number-band;

(3) A position whereby the stroboscope light flashes once at one portion only of the cycle of oscillation of the inertia-weights; and

(4)y A position whereby the stroboscope light flashes once at theA other portion of the cycle of oscillation of the inertia-Weights I and II.

The automatic switchingk means used is operatedby the oscillation ofthe inertia-weights I0 and II and their associated arm I1. The oscillatory movement of the arm I1 causes the reed I9 to normally alternately contact the contact-plate 32 and the arm I1, each of said contacts with contact-plate: 32 and the arm I1 causing the stroboscope light to flash provided said contacts have been switchedmanually to permit flashing at the' time of said contacts. It may be set to flash one of them andv not the otheror vice- Versa.

The normal sequence of operation of the combined manual and automaticswitching means is as' follows:

1. Thev manual switch is-set on Test or centering position;

2. The centering-screw 44 is` manually adjusted until two diametrically opposite numbers are illuminated by the stroboscope light alternately onl the number-band'. When this occurs the flashing is taking place -at the exact center of oscillation ofthe inertia-weights.

3. The manualv switch is set to position Heavy or Light at the ychoice of the operator, these designations' determining the heavy or light side of -therotating'work-piece in a given correction-plane undergoing test. At either of these positions one number'only of the two numbers mentioned in section 2, immediately above, will be illuminated once during each cycle of oscillation' of the inertia-weights;

4. The calibrated'adjusting-means is employed to adjust the normally stationary contact-plate 32 away from its previously adjusted zero' or center position until a point is reached in its adjustment where the stroboscope light just stops flashing. This point in adjustment ofthe contact-plate 3-2 is'just at the end of the amplitude of oscillation of the inertia-weights I0 and II about'their pivot' spring I4, therefore thereadings on they calibrated adjustmentv means are a measure ofthe amplitude of oscillation of said inertia-weights about their pivot spring. Said amplitude of oscillation of said inertia-weights is proportional to the amplitude of oscillation of the rotating work-piece in said given correctionplane undergoing test. Furthermore, said amplitude of oscillation of said work-piece in said given correction-plane is proportional to the amount of unbalanceexisting in said correctionplane. Therefore, the amplitude of oscillation ofsaid' inertia-weights is proportional to the l0 amount of unbalance in said given correctionplane of the work-piece.l

We have now completed the determination of the amount of amplitude of oscillation of the inertia-weights which forms a basis for ascertaining the amount of unbalance weight in the correction-plane of the rotor by comparison with a predeterminedunbalance weight in such plane Whose amplitude of oscillation had been preliminarily determined by trial and test ofa weight of known amount in such plane.

The flashing of the stroboscope light is necessary` to secure amplitude of oscillation of the inertia-weights. It may be flashing at both positions of the cycle of oscillation of the inertiaweights as described in 2, above, or in either of the single portion of the oscillation of the weights as outlined in 2, or 3, above, provided the operator first set on the test position of the switch and adjusted the flashing of the stroboscope light by means of the centering-screw 44l and centering-lever 3U until two diametrically'opposite nurn- `bers'lash alternately on the number-band; This assures that the stroboscope light is flashing at the exact center of oscillation of the inertia-weights. We now have determinedthe amount of unbalance in. the given correction-plane undergoing test.

The operation of the novel pick-up device is substantially as follows:

Ordinarily, two or more of the devices are mounted rigidly at convenient points preferably, though notr necessarily, on the bearing members 14 of thebalance-testing machine in which the work-piece undergoing test is revolving on its axis, the two devices picking up the vibration of such bearing or bearings due to the unbalancing factors in two or more correction-planes in which the unbalancing factors are present, although in some work-pieces which are relatively thin, such as gears, discs, and the like, which are undergoingk test, only one inertia-weight, rather than a plurality, is" needed. For convenience, in understanding the mannery of functioning of the pick-up devices, two have been shown as properly attached to the bearing-members of the workpiece.

The inertia-weights I Il and I I are chosen and adjusted on their respective threaded members I2. and I3 so that one of' each of the devices 12 and: 13,' may determine the position and amount of 'unbalance in each of two previously chosen correction-planes 15i` and 16 respectively. The inertia-weights I0 and II are so chosen and adjusted that the device 12 is responsive to unbalance in the correction-plane 15, but not to unbalance in plane 16, and that the device 13` is responsive to unbalance in correction-plane 16 Y but not to unbalance in plane 15.

The bearing members 14'of the balance-testing machine are each supported on spherical balls, each of said balls 91 (Figures 10 and 10a), resting in a concave spherical segment on the upwardly extending portion of the frame 691 The bearing members 1&1 each have two corresponding spherical segments in an inverted relationship to those on the upwardly extending portion of the frame Bil, These bearing members 14 being supported on balls, the rolling action is the equivalent of a pendulum suspension.

While the work-piece or rotor G4 is rotated at a speed above the resonant or natural period of the bearing members and of' the inertiaweights IB :and- II about their pivot spring |42 the'inertia-Weights Ill and I-I are forced to'oseillate at the frequency initiated by the rotation of the unbalanced rotor 64.

The ratio-block I is set at straight-away position, see Figures 1, 3 and 8, so that the ratio- Y block 5I rests against the end of stop-screw BI, `by turning the knob 51 (Figure 8) clockwise to and II and the associ-ated arm I1 are at the `central or neutral position. v weights oscillate about the spring pivot I4 in a- As the inertiaclockwise direction from central or neutral position the arm I1 leaves contact with the reed I9,

Yproceeds to its maximum and is stopped from further twisting in that direction due to the resisting force in the twisted spring I4 balancing the inertia force in the weights IU and II set up by the initiating oscillation of the entire mass. The oscillation of the mass then starts in the opposite direction, the inertia-force is reduced,

.and the twisted spring I4 starts to return the weights i0 and II and arm I1 toward their zero or neutral position. As this portion of the oscillation cycle continues the inertia-force becomes zero and the inertia-weights I and II and associated arm I1 return to zero or neutral position at which point the arm I1 contacts the reed I9. At this instant the electrical circuit which ashes the stroboscope light 61 is completed and the light 61 flashes illuminating a number on the number-band 68 temporarily attached circumferentially to the work-piece or rotor 64.

In the manner above described, the next half cycle of the oscillation of the inertia-weights I and II and associated arm I1 continues, the weights now continuing their counter-clockwise rotation about the pivot spring I 4 to a maximum, then returning to neutral or zero position. During this half of the cycle the arm I1 carries the associated reed I9 with it, breaking the contact of the reed I9 with the contact-plate 32. At zero position the reed I9 is again in contact instantaneously with both the upturned end II1 of arm I1 and the contact-plate 32, thus causing the stroboscope light to again flash illuminating a number on the number-band 68. As previously mentioned, the centering-screw is so adjusted that the instantaneous contact takes place at zero or neutral position. This is easily determined by observing the numbers on the numberband 68. This band is numbered in twenty equal divisions and its length is just equal to the circumference of the portion of the rotor 64 on which it is mounted; thus zero and 10 on the mounted number-band 68 are diametrically opposite, as are 1 and 11, 2 and 12, and so on. The centering-screw 44 is adjusted until two such diametrically opposite numbers are illuminated alternately, such as 1 and 11, 4 and 14, and so on, the particular number being determined by the location about the circumference of the unbalance in the particular correction-plane being tested. The electrical circuit is so arranged that either of the alternately flashing numbers may be switched off. Then the number remaining and appearing may indicate the heavy side of the rotor 54 in the correction-plane being tested or the light side. rThe operator would remove or add Weight, according to choice.

A work-piece or rotor 64 should be prelimi- CII ' narily balanced by the operator by trial and error until it is in balance within the desired limits, whereupon an unbalance weight of known amount as great as Ywill be expected to be encountered in commercial balancing operations for a workpiece of this type is applied in the left-hand correction-plane 15.

The inertia-Weights I0 and II on the righthand device 13 are adjusted longitudinally on their respectively threaded rods I2 and I3 until no indication of unbalance is apparent as evidenced by the manner in which the stroboscope light 61 ashes.

When the weights I0 and I I are not oscillating about their pivot spring I4 the light 61 either does not flash at all, or ashes intermittently, not regularly, as when the inertia-weights are oscillating in cyclic sequence. rIhe known weight is then removed from plane 15 and attached in the right-hand correction-plane 16 and the same procedure followed as With the left-hand device 12 on the left bearing member 14. The known unbalance weight in the right-hand correctionplane 16 is not removed.

Then the left-hand device 12 is switched off and the right-hand one 13 is switched on to test position T, Figure 17. 'Ihe inertia-weights I0 and II on the right-hand device are now oscillating in cycles corresponding to the speed of rotation of the rotor 64. The centering-lever 30, having been previously adjusted to the Zero center position, a pair of diametrically opp-osite numbers 0n the number-band will appear under the uniform semi-cyclic flashing of the light 61. If the oscillation is large the knob 51, Figure 8, may be turned counter-clockwise one full turn when the ratio-block 5I will be in the position as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The ratio-nut 4I is then turned clockwise an amount necessary to just extinguish the flashing light 61, as previously described, while taking careful note of the number of turns, and the fractions of a turn, of the ratio-nut 4I. That is the end of travel of the vibration in one direction. If there were seven complete turns and ve divisions on the graduated periphery of the ratio-nut 4I, there being ten graduations on such nut 4l, there are then a total of seventy-ve graduations representing the unbalance weight in the right-hand plane 16. Unbalance weights of smaller amount may then be designated as fractional seventyfths of the maximum amount. The lock-nut 43, Figure 2, may be loosened and the screw 42 screwed in until it touches the end of the threaded screw 39 and the jam-nut 43 then locked tightly securing the screw 42 in this position.

Another convenient method is to turn the ratio-nut 4I ten full turns and set the lock-screw 42 as above described, and then turn the ratioknob 51, Figure 8, counter-clockwise until the ashing light 61 just goes out. The maximum unbalance weight is then represented by one hundred divisions of the ratio-nut 4I. Smaller weights are then represented as hundreths or decimal .parts of the known maximum unbalance weight.

Another method is to use the divisions on the ratio-nut 4I as decimal parts of an ounce or other convenient unit of weight measurement. Assuming that the maximum unbalance weight to be handled were 1.23 ouncesturn the rationut 4I twelve full turns and three divisions, a total of one hundred and twenty-three divisions. Each division then represents .01 ounce. If the rotor 64 were quite heavy so that the maximum 'amountof'unbalance expected were 12.3 :ounces .and vthe same procedure 4were followed eachdi- -vision on the ratio-nut 4I Would represent one- ',tenth of an ounce. In like manner, if the rotor .64 (Figure 9) ywere of relatively smallmass and thegmass unbalance expected were .123 ounce,

understand, the invention is not necessarilylimited and restricted to the precise and exact `details set forth above and reasonable vmodiications may be resorted to without departure from the heart and-essence of the invention, as denned by the appended claims, and without the loss or sacrice of any of its'material benets and advantages.

I claim:

1. In a machine of the class described, a vibra- .tion pick-up device comprising a frame adapted l to be mounted upon ,a vibratory element of -the machine, inertia-weight means kcarried by .said

frame and pivotal on an axis disposed'substantally at right angles to the plane of the vibrations subject to pick up and with said means adjustable relative to said axis and the direction of said vibrations to effect a vibratory swing of said means about said axis in correlation with and in response to said vibrations, means disposed to bias said inertia-weight means to a normal position relative to said axis and frame and to resist the vibratory swing of said inertiaweight means, and electric switch means carried by said frame and operable by the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means about said axis to translate said vibrations into recordable electric impulses.

2. In a machine of the class described, a vibration pick-up device comprising a frame adapted to be mounted upon a vibratory element of the machine, inertia-weight means carried by said frame and pivotal upon an axis disposed substantially at right angles to the plane of the vibrations subject to pick up and with said means adjustable relative to said axis and the direction of said vibrations to effect a vibratory swing of said means about said axis in response to selected vibrations in the element supporting said frame, means disposed to restrict the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means about said axis, and electric switch means carried by said frame and operable by the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means about said axis to translate said selected vibrations into recordable electric impulses.

3. In a machine of the class described, a vibration pick-up device comprising a frame adapted to be mounted upon a vibratory element of the machine, inertia-Weight means carried by said frame and pivotal upon an axis disposed substantially at right angles to the plane of the vibrations subject to pickup and with said means adjustable relative to said axis and the direction of said vibrations to eiect a vibratory swing of said means about said axis in response to selected vibrations in the element supporting said frame and electric switch means carried by said frame and operable by the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means about said axis to translate i4 isad i selected ,vibrations `into recordable .electric impulses.

4. vThe construction of claim 43 -in .which-said electric. switch means comprises an armconnec- .tedjto said inertia-weight means to receive the yvibratory movement thereof,` a switch Contact. on -a vibratoryportion of said arm, a second switch contact carried by said frame, and means disposed to connect-and disconnect said contacts cyclically in response `to the vibratory movement Vof said arm.

.5.1The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises an arm xed to lsaid inertia-weight meansto receive the rvibratory movement thereof, a switch contact on a vibratory portion of said arm,.a secondswitch contact carried by said frame, and a switchrcontact element disposed to make contact with .said first: and second contacts alternately and to con- :nect the same momentarily between alternations in `response to the vibratory movement of said arm.

-6, The construction of claim 3 in which `said electric switch means comprises a switch contact carried bysaid inertia-weight means to receive the vibratory movement thereof, and a second r-swltch contact carried by said frame and fdisposed tobe engaged-and disengaged by-saidrst named contact cyclically in response to the vi- 'bratorylmovement of lsaid inertia-weight means.

'l'. The construction of-claim Bein which-said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means, a second switch contact carried by said frame and disposed to be engaged and disengaged cyclically by said rst named contact in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia-Weight means, and manual means to adjust the position of said second contact during a balance testing operation.

8. The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means, a second switch contact carried by said frame and disposed to be engaged and disengaged cyclically by said first named contact in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia-weight means and manual Vernier means to adjust the position of said second contact relative to the path of movement of said rst contact t0 deterrnne the amplitude of said vibratory movement.

9. The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia weight means, a secondV switch -contact adjustably carried by said frame, and a third intermediate contact element normally engaged by one of said contacts and disposed to engage said other Contact and disengage said normally engaged Contact cyclically in response to the vibratory movement of said first contact.

10. The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia weight means, a second switch contact adjustably carried by said frame, a third intermediate contact element normally engaged by one of said contacts and disposed to engage said other contact and disengage said normally engaged contact cyclically in response to the vibratory movement of said rst contact, and a manual adjustment for said second contact operable during a vibration testing operation to effect a momentary connecting of said first and second contacts by said third contact substantially midway of the vibratory movement of said rst contact whereby an electric impulse is provided twice during each full cycle of the vibratory movement or" said first contact and approximately spaced 180 apart in the cycle.

11. The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia weight means, a second switch contact adjustably carried by said frame, a third intermediate contact element normally engaged by one of said contacts and disposed to engage said other contact and disengage said normally engaged contact cyclically in response to the vibratory movement of said first conta-ct, and Vernier adjustment means operable manually during a vibration testing operation to adjust the position of said second contact to produce an electric impulse at the extreme end of a vibratory stroke of said first contact whereby the amplitude of vibration may be determined.

12. The construction of claim 3 in which said electric switch means comprises a switch contact disposed to move in response to the vibratory movement of said inertia weight means, a second switch contact adjustably carried by said frame, a third intermediate Vcontact element normally engaged by one of said contacts and disposed to engage said other contact and disengage said normally engaged Contact cyclically in response to the vibratory movement of said first contact, a manual adjustment for said second contact operable during a vibration testing operation to eiect a momentary connecting of said rst and second contacts by said third contact substantially midway of the vibratory movement of said rst contact whereby an electric impulse is provided twice during each full cycle of the vibratory movement of said first contact and approximately spaced 180 apart in the cycle and Vernier adjustment means operable manually during a vibration testing operation to adjust the position of said second contact to produce an electric impulse at the extreme end of a vibratory stroke of said first contact whereby the amplitude of vibration may be determined.

IRA A. WEAVER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,704,341 Rathbone Mar. 5, 1929 2,302,670 Buchanan Nov. 24, 1942 2,328,114 Weaver et al. Aug. 31, 1943 2,344,349 Forster Mar, 14, 1944 2,486,896 Weaver et al. Nov. 1, 1949 2,487,035 Weaver et al. Nov. 1, 1949 

